As time passes, prospects of finding the 20-year-old student appear bleaker, but the family is steadfast in its resolve to keep up the effort.

"As Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, it's difficult to believe we are still without Lauren," part of the family's statement read. "This Thanksgiving, we are thankful to those of you who have kept Lauren in your thoughts, prayers and hearts."

Spierer was last seen in the early-morning hours of June 3 as she walked toward her Smallwood Plaza apartment. Investigators and volunteers mounted an intense search for the student, but months have passed without resolution.

"Not a minute passes that we are not missing Lauren, her smile, her voice, her presence," read the family's statement. "We continue to hope for her safe return."

Organizers are planning several events in December, including a Support the Spierers gathering on Dec. 3 starting at Smallwood Plaza and Safety for Spierer self-defense training on Dec. 11.